Blind Work Expense (BWE) is a work incentive for individuals receiving SSI who have a primary diagnosis of blindness and who earn income. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not count any earned income that you use for expenses to work when they decide your SSI eligibility and payment amount. These work-related expenses do not have to be related to your blindness, but they must be reasonable work-related expenses that you incur. The amount of these expenses must also be below the total countable income formula used by Social Security in determining your SSI payment each month.
Some examples of Blind Work expenses may include: Dog guide expenses, Transportation to and from work, Dues or fees (such as licenses, union dues, etc.), Vehicle modifications, Work-related training, Federal, state, and local income taxes, Social Security taxes, Visual and Sensory aids, Translation of materials into Braille, Medical equipment or supplies that help you work, Attendant Care Services, Meals consumed during work hours and Therapy.